The city's Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.
